Advice

We'd like to take a moment to briefly introduce you to other points of interest that we weren't able to squeeze into our itinerary. You'd be mistaken for thinking that you've uncovered all of Laon's hidden gems. Start by visiting the city's secret underground passages, which will tell you all about its history, going back much further than you could have ever imagined.

If you like hiking, you can explore the mysterious Saint-Gobain forest, just 15 km from the city center; it's a hilly woodland populated by stags and roe deer, and steeped with architectural treasures hidden in the undergrowth. If fortresses are your thing, head to the medieval citadel of Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique. This 13th-century feudal stronghold is sure to thrill enthusiasts; during the summer, you can even attend medieval reenactments!

The Chemin des Dames, The Ladies' Path, is another must-see in the region. This 30 km-long memorial route retraces the most horrific episode of World War I involving the French army. Today, you can visit a number of museums, cemeteries and memorials between Laon, Soisson and Reims.

If you're willing to do the extra mile, you can visit Saint-Quentin, the city of art and history with its strong architectural heritage, or Soisson, the former capital of the Frankish kingdom. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do if you feel like staying in the area for a while.